IN recognition of her outstanding service to the community, a Barry volunteer has been honoured with a visit to number 10 Downing Street.

Gay Fifield, joined Alun Cairns MP on the visit after the Vale MP nominated her to attend the reception, calling her an "inspiration".

Mrs Fifield runs a number of community initiatives from the Age Connects shop on Holton Road, Barry, which includes the Friends and Neighbours group. Mrs Fifield also ran the Barry Hospital League of Friends for many years.

Alun Cairns MP said: “I was so pleased to nominate Gay for this reception. The Prime Minister hosted the event and it was a lovely evening.

“Gay is such a hard working individual whom I have met on several occasions at Age Connect’s senior health shop on Holton Road and the friendship group she runs for people over 60.

“She is an inspiration and this goes a small way to recognising her hard work and service to the community.

"There is no doubt that so many benefit from Gay’s support. Without her involvement, there would be a significant number of older people that would be isolated.”

Mrs Fifield said: “I had a lovely time and had an opportunity to chat to the Prime Minister. We talked about Barry specifically and the importance of community groups.

"He also recalled his many visits to Barry and said that he was looking forward to bringing the US President to Wales later this year for the NATO Summit.

"He pointed out that a serving US President has never visited Wales before.

“I had the chance to visit Westminster Abbey before Alun took me around the House of Commons and House of Lords. I was made to feel welcome by all those I met.

"I was touched to be invited and am very grateful to Alun Cairns for nominating me."